Work experience pays off for pair

Howarths Employment Law took on two girls on work experience a couple of months ago from the Job centre and were so impressed with them they've given them full time permanent jobs. Andy Howarth is urging other businesses to give young people a chance because they could be missing out. Lindsey Carr from Howarths (left) and Fiona Greenwood from the Job Centre (right) join Sana Mahmood and Samantha Beaumont, they new employees. (d08051240)

Published:13:00Monday 14 May 2012

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A PAIR of young job seekers are celebrating after turning an eight week work placement into permanent positions.

Sana Mahmood, 23, from Liversedge, and Samantha Beaumont, 23, from Heckmondwike, had both been hunting for work when they signed on to the Job Centre Plus’ work experience programme and were placed with Howarths Employment Law, in Brooke Street, Cleckheaton.

Sana has an accountancy degree but could not get a job through ‘lack of experience’ after she left university, while Samantha had struggled to find work since last July, having completed a six month stint with the Heath Authority.

Howarths’ managing director Andy Howarth said he was delighted to offer the pair permanent roles within the firm, once their work experience ends on May 25.

“The main thing was to ensure that they feel part of the team from their first day,” Andy said.

“We make them feel at home and it’s brought the best out in both of them.

“The quality of their work has been staggering.”

Andy said it was important to make temporary or work experience staff feel at ease – something few companies did successfully – in order to get the best out of them.

Andy added: “On their first day, they went through a full induction like any other new member of staff would do.

“They are both so settled it seems like they have been here forever.”

Employer adviser at Spen Valley Jobcentre Fiona Greenwood said: “We’re really pleased to have worked with Howarth’s Employment Law to support these young people.

“It’s a fantastic and positive outcome.”

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